BIGBLUE Float Arm

BIGBLUE Float Arms

Bigblue has designed the BIGBLUE range of float arms to counteract the negative buoyancy of underwater housings, lights and mounting plates.

Made from anodised aluminium, these watertight hollow arms generate sufficient air volume to lighten your photography and videography set-ups (camera with wide-angle lens, heavy housing, twin lights). They are designed for underwater photographers and videographers who wish to reduce strain on their arms and stabilise their movements whilst diving.

Each end of the arms features a standard 1-inch (25 mm) ball joint.

The range is available in three lengths to precisely match the buoyancy requirements of each underwater setup.

Technical specifications of the BIGBLUE float arm

• Model 1 “90 x 223 mm” (~23 cm): provides positive buoyancy of approximately 697 g. This is the ultimate all-round float arm for balancing a standard turntable fitted with two compact or medium-sized spotlights. The weight out of water is 349 g.
• Model 2 “70 x 223 mm” (~23 cm): increases the leverage and provides superior positive buoyancy equivalent to 360 g, ideal for hybrid/reflex housings fitted with large domes. The weight out of the water is 281 g.
• Model 3 “70 x 330 mm” (~33 cm): a long version offering up to ~612 g of positive buoyancy. It allows the lights to be positioned considerably further away from the housing to prevent backscatter and to balance very heavy video systems. The weight out of the water is 430 g.

Diveavenue’s expert review of BIGBLUE float arms
“JUMBO float arms are a must-have whenever you’re diving with a large video rig. Instead of having to support a weight of 2 or 3 kg at arm’s length – which becomes tiring on long dives – using two JUMBO arms makes the camera mount virtually neutral in the water. The Bigblue balls feature a good rubber grip that prevents the arm from slipping once the clamp is tightened.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I work out the number and size of BIGBLUE buoyancy arms needed for my camera mount ? Weigh your complete system (housing, camera mount, handles, lights, clamps) in the water or add up their theoretical negative buoyancy. Then choose a set of two BIGBLUE buoyancy arms whose combined positive buoyancy is close to the weight to be compensated for underwater.

Is there a risk of crushing or water ingress at depth ? Bigblue’s anodised aluminium arms are sealed and designed to withstand the hydrostatic pressures of exploration diving (up to 100 metres and beyond) without any risk of deformation or loss of watertightness.

How should you look after your buoyancy arms after a dive ? Rinse the arms with fresh water after each use at sea. Inspect the black O-rings on the 1-inch balls and rinse beneath the clamping areas to remove any grains of sand or accumulated salt.